Calgary Moving Checklist

General information, last reviewed November 2026. Check dates and rules with each provider.

Six to eight weeks before

• Get quotes from movers or reserve a truck. Month-end dates fill first.
• If either home is a condo, book the elevator and ask about move-in rules and fees.
• Sort every room: keep, sell, donate, recycle.
• Tell your landlord in writing if you rent.
• Start a folder for contracts, receipts and quotes.

Three to four weeks before

• Set up electricity and natural gas at the new address. In Alberta you choose your own retailer.
• Open a City of Calgary water, waste and recycling account for the new home.
• Move or order internet, TV and phone service.
• Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post.
• Arrange home or tenant insurance to start on moving day.
• Register children at their new school and ask for records to be sent.

One to two weeks before

• Tell your bank, employer, Canada Revenue Agency and insurers your new address.
• Pack room by room and label each box with its room.
• Use up freezer food and return anything borrowed.
• Confirm the time with your movers and book child or pet care for the day.

The day before

• Pack a first-night box: bedding, toiletries, medication, chargers, kettle, tools.
• Keep documents, keys and valuables with you, not in the truck.
• Defrost the fridge if it is coming with you.

Moving day

• Photograph the water, gas and electricity meters at both homes.
• Walk through with the movers and point out fragile items.
• Check every room, closet, the garage and the yard before you lock up.
• At the new home, check that the furnace, water heater and appliances work.

The first two weeks after

• Update your Alberta driver's licence and vehicle registration. Alberta asks for this within 14 days.
• Update your Alberta Health Care address.
• Find your waste, recycling and compost cart days for the new address.
• Change the locks and test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
• Meet the neighbours.